World Cup Exit For Young Pair

Gael Bigirimana and Curtis Good are on their way back to Tyneside following an early exit from the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.

The United duo, representing England and Australia respectively, were both unused substitutes over the weekend as their sides failed to progress from the group stage of the Turkey-based tournament.

Bigirimana watched on from the sidelines as England suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Egypt on Saturday night, leaving the Young Lions bottom of Group E with only two draws to their name from their three fixtures.

The teenage midfielder, who has made a real impression at St. James' Park since arriving from Coventry last summer, saw just a single minute of action during the group stage, as a late replacement against Iraq.

On Friday, Good's Australia went down 2-1 against host nations Turkey, a result which saw them anchored to the foot of Group C with just one point.

The left-sided defender was on the bench but failed to get any game time to add to his two previous appearances, in which he had captained the Young Socceroos.